A sore throat or a throat pain is a pain, dryness, discomfort, scratchiness, irritation or inflammation of the throat.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a sore throat vary depending on the cause but include:
- A pain in the throat
- Scratchiness of the throat
- Discomfort or difficulty swallowing
- Dry and sore throat
- Red and swollen tonsils
- Chills
- Fever
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Body aches
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Swollen glands in the jaw
- Hoarse voice
Causes
The most common cause of a sore throat is an acute viral infection that causes cold, flu and mononucleosis.
Bacterial infection can also be the cause of a sore throat.
Other causes of sore throat include:
- Allergies
- Dryness of the indoor air
- Irritants
- Yelling
- Talking for long periods of time without pause
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Prevention
To prevent a sore throat is to practise hygiene. Wash hands, humidify the air, avoid irritants, and avoid contact with people who are ill.
